Originally Posted by steven_berI wonder if this has anything to do with the railway budget this month.

This has more to do with earning revenues. Since the Tatkal Quota for many trains have been increased in the past couple of months, with Duronto even coming into the picture of trains having tatkal quota, Railways are losing out the interest against the money kept in the bank.

Thus by increasing the ARP Range, they are trying to safeguard their financial interest on the purchase of ticket and the said money deposited for an extra period of 30 days!!

this is yet another tactic from lalu era to make more money without increasing fares
considering the demand supply situation, one has no choice but to book 4 months in advance & provide a free credit to IR. if only they could give a reasonable discount to book ahead (or increase the fare as days progress), it would seem fair...